Paver Sand Calculator
Buy Paver Sand at Home Depot →How this calculator works
Paver (bedding) sand uses the same 1.35 tons/yd³ density as regular sand, but this calculator defaults to a 1-inch depth since bedding sand is a thin leveling layer, not a bulk fill.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.35.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft patio base at 1 inch deep:
- Depth in feet: 1 ÷ 12 = 0.083 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.083) ÷ 27 ≈ 0.617 yd³
- Tons: 0.617 × 1.35 ≈ 0.83 tons
- At $45/ton, that’s $37.50 before waste.
Coverage reference
| Area | Tons needed (1 in depth) |
|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | ~0.42 tons |
| 200 sq ft | ~0.83 tons |
| 400 sq ft | ~1.67 tons |
How to measure your area
Measure the full patio or walkway footprint where pavers will be laid, including a few inches of margin for edge restraints.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should the sand layer be under pavers?
1 inch is the standard bedding depth for the leveling sand layer directly under pavers, separate from any deeper gravel base.
Is paver sand different from regular sand?
Paver (bedding) sand is typically coarse, washed sand — similar density to regular sand, but this calculator defaults to a much shallower 1-inch depth since it's a thin leveling layer, not a fill.
Do I need paver sand and a gravel base?
Yes, for a durable patio or walkway: a compacted gravel base (4-6 in) for support, then a 1-inch paver sand layer on top for leveling before laying pavers.
How much paver sand do I need per square foot?
At the standard 1-inch depth, roughly one ton of sand covers about 240 square feet.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.